Well, finally, Kings XI Punjab has won the match in the Indian Premier League 2019 second half. Although it didn’t make anyway for their entry into the playoff stage, they gave a nice treat for the home fans by finishing it on a winning note, courtesy KL Rahul. Meanwhile, CSK has reserved their place for qualifier 1.

Getting into the details, initially, it was Ashwin, who won the toss, elected to bowl first. Under the heat, CSK got a decent start with both the openers going at a good rate. However, it was Sam Curran, who gave the first breakthrough by sending the off-stump of Shane Watson for a walk.

KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis was brilliant:

Then came the brilliant partnership between Faf du Plessis and Suresh Raina, who batted sensibly in the middle. They never let the run rate down in the middle overs, who found the fence more often than not. However, the spell from Ashwin’s in the middle overs turned down the things.

Photo by: Deepak Malik /SPORTZPICS for BCCI

But, the sudden whacks from du Plessis and Raina in Tye’s over once again changed the complexion of the game. But, the beautiful spell of death overs from Sam Curran and Shami ended things in favour of Kings XI Punjab.

In the end, all Chennai Super Kings managed in the stipulated 20 overs is just 170 runs on the board. It would have been even better for CSK if they were not failed to get the good finish. Curran and Mohammed Shami are the picks of the bowlers for Kings XI Punjab.

Photo by: Rahul Gulati /SPORTZPICS for BCCI

In reply to the chase, Kings XI Punjab got a splendid start with KL Rahul and Chris Gayle going bonkers in the middle. Especially, it was KL Rahul, who smashed CSK bowlers to all corners of the park.

They added 108 runs for the first wicket before losing out both their wickets to Harbhajan Singh in the 11th over of the game. The duo were quickly followed by the wicket of Mandeep Singh, which saw a dramatic change in the middle over. However, Pooran finished things for KXIP.

Here are a few Tweets:

Kamaal Lajawaab Rahul. What a delight to watch him bat in this fashion…..wish had seen more of this through the season. #KXIPvCSK#IPL

Games like this #KXIPvCSK make you wonder how #CSK managed to get to the Top of the League while #KXIP is languishing at the bottom. It has been a long tournament with quite a few contrasting performances by every team. Often it has been a few who pulled their teams through!

Outstanding innings by KL Rahul. 71 off just 36 balls. Sensational hitting. If he doesn't get into the playing XI for India at #CWC19 ahead of Vijay Shankar, I would be pretty disappointed. #KXIPvCSKpic.twitter.com/W6DacqxBmO